Can opening machine



Jan. 1,'1935.' P. c. WEST CAN OFENING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1932 2 Sheets$heet 1 Jan. 1, 1935. P. c. WEST 1,986,657

I CAN OPENING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 rMM Patented Jan. 1, .1935.

' UNITED STATES PATENT .foFFic-s assess-z can orsma MACHINE Preston 0. West, Chica o, n1.

Application April 29, 193:, Serial No. 608,289

81 Claims.

spring means which is adapted to yield as may be necessary for the passage of a thickened portion of the engaged part of a can.

It is one of the objects of my invention to pro- ,vide an improved form and arrangement of eccentric means for throwing the cutter and its cooperating forwarding roller into and out of operative gripping engagement with a can, together with a new and. improved form and arrangement of means for operating such eccentric device and for driving the cutter and the roller when applied in gripping engagement with a can.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved resilient member which may serve as an element of the frame work for mounting the cutter and its cooperating forward ing roller operatively in position with respect to each other and which may yield slightly when necessary for permitting a thickened portion of the bead or other gripped part of the can to pass. It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved arrangement of this type in which such resilient frame member is placed under tension by the application of the opener to a can. v

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved arrangement of the type specified in which the structure is so simplified as to reduce to a minimum the machine work necessary for producingthe parts and thework and trouble involved in assembling the parts into operative relation. -To this end, it is one of the objects of my invention to ,improve generally the arrangement of the framework so that by the use of aminimum number of simple parts easily interfltted and connected together the required bearings, guides, stops, gears and other parts may be provided.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide in a, mechanism of this type an improved arrangement of operating means comprising a handle adapted by rotary movement in one direction to movthe can gripping parts into operative holding position'with respect to each other for supporting a can in operative position and then by continued rotation in the same direction to cut out the top of the can, and adapted automatically by a slight rotary movement in the opposite direction from any attained position of said handle to move said gripping parts out of operative relation with respect to each other.

It is another object of my invention to improve devices of this type in sundry details here- 10 inafter pointed. out. The preferred means by which I have attained my several objects are illustrated in the drawings and are hereinafter specifically described. That which I believe to be new and desire to coverby Letters Patent is set 15 forth in the claims.

In the drawings,-

, Fig.1is a side view of my improved machine, showing the rotary cutter in raised position with respect to the cooperating roller ready for receiv- 20 ing a can into operative position.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the parts in central vertical section, and showing:

a can in operatively gripped position-therein;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the operating parts 25 substantially as seen at the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, with the can removed;

Fig. 4 is a yiew similar to Fig. 8 but showing the operative parts in the position as illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken at line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of my improved 1 spring loop member comprising a part of the framework of the machine;

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of the bearing member for one of the operating shafts of my improved device, such bearing member being insertabie into one end of the loop member-of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upper end portion of the standard of my improved machine;

Fig. 9 is a side face view of a second bearing member insertable into the loopmember along with the bearing member as shown in Fig. "I;

Fig. 10 is an end view of the parts'shown in Fig. 9 as seen from the right in said figure, the upper end portion of the operating handle being broken away for clearness of illustration;

Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view taken at line 11-11 of Fi 10;

Fig. 12 is a view of the upper end portion of a machine such as that shown in Fig. 1, but showing a modified form of construction;

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view taken at line 55 13-1; of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but showing a changed position of parts. q r

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 11 inclusive, in

which corresponding parts are indicated-by the same reference characters, indicates a standard rising from a base 21, in the construction shown the standard and base being formed integrally with each other in the form of a casting. At its upper end, the standard 20 is connected by meansiof two bolts 22 with a bearing member 23. As is best shown in Fig. 5, thebearing member 23 is rounded convexly at its lower edge so as to fit the lower end of a loop member 24, the upper edge. of the bearing block 23 being grooved out to have a working fit with a second bearing member 25 of cylindrical form which in turn has a working fit .with the upp r end of said loop member 24. The bearing block 23 is of such size and shape that it is readily insertable into the loop member 24 which is open at one side, as is clearly shown in Fig. 6, such bearing block 23 being provided with a flange 26 at one end and with a head portion 27 at the opposite end which are adapted by engagement with the edge portions of the loop member to hold the bearing block from movement with respect to the loop member. the bearing block 23 is inserted into position in the loop member, the bearing member 25 can then be readily inserted into position so as to prevent removal of the bearing block 23 from the loop member so long as thebearing block 25 is retained in position therein. The arrangement is such thatthe bearing block 23 is held fixedly in position with respect to the loop member, while the bearing block 25 is readily rotatable in its 1 fixed position within the loop.

As is best shown in Fig. 2, the bearing block 23, is provided with a journal opening 28 extending longitudinally through the block parallel with the side walls of the block and parallel with the grooved opening in which the bearing block 25 is mounted. The bearing block 25 is likewise pro- -vided with a journal opening 29 therethrough iongitudinally thereof, the opening 29 being at a slight angle with respect to the axis of the cylindrical block 25 as is clearly shown in Figs. 9 and 11. As is indicated in said Figs. 9 and. 11, the opening 29 is located in substantially. concentric position with-respect to the cylindrical block 25 at one end thereof. and is located in eccentric position at the opposite end.

. Within the journal openings 28 and 29, I have mounted shafts 30 and 31 respectively, such shafts being provided with intermeshing gears 32 and 33 so as to cause one shaft to rotate with the other;

the gear 32 in the construction shown being or double size as compared with the gear 33. The

shaft 30 is provided with a'handle 34 on it'send so portion beyond the gear 32 for eflectingthe desired rotation of the shafts 30 and 31.

At one end, the cylindrical bearing block 25 is provided with a handle 35 which/in the con-,- struction shown is formed integrally with the as block, the block and handle beingin the form of a casting. The-bearing block 25 and handle 35 are provided also with a head portion :36 at their junction point, such head portion 36 being arrangedso as to cooperate with the-head 27 on the bearing block 23 for stopping the rotary movement of the bearing block 25 at the desired limits of its movement. The arrangement 1 is such that when the head as is stopped by engagement with the head 27 in a rotary movement of tbebearingmember 25 in onedirectiop the The arrangement is such that afterhandle 35 extends toward the right in Fig. 3,. with the shafts 31 and 30 swung to the limit of their movement toward each other, the swinging movement of the shaft being attained by reason of the eccentric position of the shaft 31 within the bearing member 25 at one end thereof. When the head 36 is stopped by engagement with the head 27 at the end of a rotary movement in the opposite direction, the handle 35 extends toward the left as shown in Fig. 4, with the shafts 31 and 30 swung to the limit of their motion away from each other.

As is best shown in Fig. 2, the shafts 31 and 30 at their end portions opposite those upon which the gears 33 and 32 are mounted are provided with gripping and forwarding rollers 37 and 33 respectively, such rollers in the construction shown being secured on said shafts by means of screw threads. As is best shown in Fig. 2, a washer 39 is mounted on the shaft 31 adjacent to the roller 3'7, such washer being bevelled on its edge so as to have a camming action with the adjacent portion of the roller 38 if necessary for causing a smooth engagement of the parts when the shaft 31 is swung toward the shaft 30. A rotary cutter 40 is also mounted upon the shaft 31', such cutter 40 in the construction shown being formed integrally with the roller 37. The arrangement is such that when the lever 35 is swung from the position as shown in Fig. 4 to the position as shown in Fig. 3, the rollers 37 and 38 are brought into gripping engagement with the top bead 41 of the can 42 interposed between such rollers, the ro tary cutter 40 being caused to penetrate the top wall 43 of the can prior to the completion of the downward movement of the cutter 40 with the shaft 31. A guide 44 carried by the upper end of the standard 20 is adapted by engagement with the upper edge of the bead 41 of the can to insure that the can shall be held at the proper angle for operative gripping engagement of the rollers 37 and 38 wifli the bead and while the can top is being out out;

With the can securely held in position between the rollers 37 and 38, upon a rotary movement of the shafts 30 and 31 through the medium of the handle 34 and the gears 32.and 33, the can is rotated about its longitudinal axis while being supported by the rollers 37 and 38, the frictional engagement of the driven rollers 37 and 38 with the bead of the can being such as to insure that the can will be given the desired rotary movement with littleor no slipping of the rollers with respect to the bead. The arrangement of the rotary cutter 40 is such that upon a rotary movement of the can the cutter serves to sever the top wall 43 from the can closely adjacent to the bead. The arrangement is such that any edge portion of the top wall 43 of the can is smoothed down evenly against the side wall of the can so as restricted. The arrangement is such also that the side wall of the can is flared .outwardly to a slight extent adjacent tothe bead so as to facilitate the removal of the severed can top 43 at the completion of the cutting operation. When the seam of the can or any other thickened portion of the bead comes into contact with the forwarding and pping rollers 37 and 38, the shaft 31 is adapted to yield upwardly to'the required extent for-permitting such thickened portion to pass the rollers. such upward yielding of the shaft 31 being permitted by reason of the resilient formation of the loop member 24 as is above set forth.

=.As will be readily understood, the loop member so to leave the opening into the can smooth and unremoval of the bolts 22 the bearing block 23 can be disconnected from the standard 20 whereupon the operative parts can be shipped as a complete unit independently of the standard 20. This arrangement greatly expedites the handling of the machine for purposes of repairs. It will also be understood thatsuchunit removed from the.

standard 20 would operate effectively if held by original cost and .to expedite replacement and repairs, V

In the construction shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14 the arrangement is the same as that above described except for the substitution of alternative means for causing the desired rotation of the bearing member 25. In the construction shown in said figures, the handle 35 is omitted from the bearing block 25, and such block 25 instead is provided with a sector 45 serving as a; short extension of the bearing block at its upper end. A mutilated gear 46 is mounted upon the shaft 31 having a notch 47 at one side for receiving the segment 45, the notch 47 being of slightly greater length circumferentially than that of the segment so as to permit the mutilated) gear 46 to have a slight rotary movement with respect to the bearing block 25. -A coiled spring 48 is provided-in the arrangement shown connectedwith .the gear 46 and with the segment 45 serving normally to hold the gear 46 turned to the limit of its motion in counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 13.

is then inserted into operative position so as to have its top bead located between the rollers 3'1 and 38, whereupon the shaft 30 is to be given a rotary movement in counter-clockwise direction in said Fig. 14. This rotation of the shaft 30 serves through the gear 49 and the mutilated gear 46 to' rotate the bearing member 25 in clockwise direction into the position as shown in Fig. 13, in which position the rollers 3'1 and 38 grip the top bead of the interposed can so as to hold the can inoperative position corresponding to the position of the can 42 as shown in Fig. 2. When the shaft 30 is being given this coimterclockwise movement in Figs. 13 and 14 for giving the bearing member 27 its clockwise rotary movement in said figures, the spring 48 is placed under tension, the mutilated gear 46 being given an initial rotary movement with respect to the bearing member. As soon as the face of the notch 47 is brought into engage- 'ment with the portion 45 of the bearing member 25, the bearing member is caused to rotate with the gear 46. serving to swing the shaft 31 downwardly toward the shaft 30 for effecting a gripping engagement of the rollers3'l and 38 with the can. Upon continued rotation of the gear 49 in counterclockwise direction in 13, as

m tooth of the gear49 in turn clears the last tooth 50 of the mutilated gear 46, the spring serves to give the mutilated gear a slight rotary movement in the reverse direction for bringing the tooth .50 into engagement with the neit 'Cauc- Q ceeding tooth of the gear 49. I

By my improved arrangement as above described, the shaft 30 is adapted to have unlimited rotation in counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 13

for completing the desired operation of cutting the top from a can. Upon a reversal of the rotation of the shaft 30 by the handle 34 at any attained position of such handle 34 the mutilated gear 46 immediately has operative engagement with the gear 49 for rotating the eccentric bearing member 25 for releasing the can from the gripping and forwarding rollers. In the construction shown, I haveprovided an enlarged tooth 51 on the mutilated gear 46 serving'by engagement with the teeth of the gear 49 to limit the rotary movement of the bearing member 25 through the medium of the gear 49. It will be understood that. any other stop means might be provided as desired for limiting the rotary movement of the bearing member.

By the use of the construction above described, I have provided a device by which the top may be cut out of a can by a clean cutting operation without danger of scraping metal into the contents of the can. With the gripping rollers driven at the same surface speed soas to cooperate fully for changing the position of the can, and with the rotary cutter of very slightly greater diameter than that of the smaller roller with which it rotates so as to have substantially the same surface speed with respect to the wall being cut, a cutting operation without any appreciable scraping action is insured.

While I prefer to employ thearrangement and construction as illustrated in my drawings and as above described, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited thereto except so far as the claims may be so limited by the prior art, it

being understood that changes might well be made without departing from my invention.

I claim:

1. In a can opener, the combination of a frame, a shaft revolubly mounted thereon, a second shaft arranged on said frame alongside 'of said first named shaft, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollerson said shafts, an eccentric bearingmember in which is mounted one end portion of said second shaft and which is rotatable on said frame about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said ilrst named shaft adapted by a rotary movement to a certain predetermined position to give said second shaft a positive swinging movement away from said first named shaft into substantially changed angular position with respect thereto for insertion of a can between said rollers'and adapted by a rotary movement to a different predetermined position to swing said second shaft positivelytoward said first named shaft for bringing the rollers into gripping engagement with the can for rotating Y it, and a cutter carried by said second shaft and adapted by engagement with the can to cut out I the top therefrom as the can rotates.

' 2. In a can opener, the combination of a frame, a'shaft revolubly mounted thereon, a second shaft, a bearing member revolublymounted on said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of said first named shaft and providing bearing --'means supporting said second shaft in an- 'aaapteatupon rotary movement of the rollersgled position with res o cause said'can to te tter shafts the other warding 1o 35 ea we a second l 5 ti hanYed slim: His? 285% t ifiiiia positely p d l ll s x9 1 id, went ta s ved into g i n 3.

rotary morement ofsai er ,soas tocan'se a rotation, oifth'eean,

adapted by engagement with the can to out the top therefrom as the can rotates; v v "I. In a can opener, the combination'oi a frame, a shaft revolubly mounted thereon, a' second shaft,

' lubly mounted on said frame, onYan'iaxisextend serving by itseli to support said second shaft in an elongated bearing therethrough at angle to said first named sliaitfwherehyupon rotary movement'oi' said bearing memberfthrougli". a

spect tojsa'id named ,jshaftlin el'rgn fi nfl, driving members on I said shatte at one" end 10! and bearing member adaptedfto remamm' opera if tated andior'causing'one shatttb'rotate with the othen-the'endli'a'ice ofsaid'hearina'meniher mime opposite end thereoi being arranged in substantially right position with respectto said be: for holding said in operatiye gifting i'ree rotary movement of ,thej m'e'm l lmember, a roller mounted onjfsad'flrst 'shait adapted by, cooperationgyithj named roller to grip a can, eoasto upportit aagement with the-can ame'mberlrotatably. mounted'in said-grooves m'em spect me driving memhersainrasei e: a a main inspperative gmagemfint as;v said 'lubly mountedin said bearing member on an axis member is ro ated 12 M rnnershaft tore,-

in eccentric position with respect to the axis 0! tate with the other, opp si ly-disposed winn and iorwardinz. rollerszon. said cshaiteaadapted when said second shaitdsiswunatoward-saidflrsta named shaitto grip a console: tom ippeatt HI-11d ov'ement astute longitudinal axis, a, shaft revomounted inaaid bearing means, means for drivone 01' said shafts, oppositely disposed grip- 7i ping rollers on said-shafts adapted to be moved an elongated cylindricalfbearing memher'revo- 80. ing longitudinallyot saidlflrst. named shaft and ,tive engagement as'saidbearingfl member is 1-0-1 second um, means comprising. toner I by said second shaft adapted by we W en-i, segment with said end face oi'the bearlngjmem-l teatime j at. a

', partial rotation said second shaft isswung into substantiallyfchanged angular position 'with lie-j and so as to cause the can to rotate when the, rollers are driven, and a cutter adapted byneno w heme,

l. A mma idhj TI means having a groove alongflonefside; 3/.

h 9 1?; 61 61m t a ut t PD 'iEQ 31d bearing meansllndefi d b m Y said bearinimember mpwaftoiis've,

-,said bearing member, a second shaft revolubiy 7 f ber'without unduvend 1 2W bearing into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can when said driven shaft is operated, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.-

9. In a can opener, the combination of two oppositely disposed bearing members, a spring loop extending about said bearing members serving normally to hold-,them inside engagement with each other and-adapted to yield under heavy pressure for permitting said bearing members to have a lateral spreading movement with respect to each other, one of said bearing members being rotatable between one end of the loop and the other bearing member, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing member on an axis at an angle with respect to the axis of said rotary bearing member, a second shaft revolubly mounted in I the other bearing member and arranged opposite to said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing-one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to'be moved into grippin relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

10. In a can'opener, the combination of a spring loop of sheet metal open at one side, acylindrical bearing member rotatably mounted in one end of said loop, meanscomprising a second bearing member filling said loop so as to hold said cylindrical bearing member in operative position, a shaft revolublymounted in said rotary bearing member on an axis at an angle with respect to the axis of saidrotary bearing member, a second shaft -revolubly mounted in the other bearing member and arrangedbpposite to said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary' movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates. q

11. In a can opener, the combination of a bearing member having a groove along one side, a second bearing member rotatably mounted in said groove, a member'in the form of a loop extending about said bearing members adapted normally to hold them in pre-dete'rmined fixed position with respect to each other with one of said bearing members adapted to have rotary move-. ment about a longitudinal axis, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing member on an axis in eccentric position with respect to the axis of said rotary member, a second shaft revolubly vmounted inthe other bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding'rollers on' said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, and" a'cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

12. In a can opener, the combination of two bearing members alongside of each other, a memher in the form of a loop extending about said bearing members adapted normally to hold them engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate withthe other,op-

positely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates. Y

'. 13.-In a can opener, the combination of a member in the form of a fflattened loop open at one side, a flattened bearing block removably mounted in one end of said loop, and by its en gagement with the loop from rotation with respect thereto a second bearing block in the form of acylinder engaging said first named bearing block and the opposite end of said loop so as to be rotatable therein, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing block on at a slight angle with respect to the axis of said rotary bear- .ing block, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the first named bearing block on an axis extending longitudinally with respect to that of said rotary bearing block, inter-engaging driving members. for said shafts for causing one of said shafts to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adaptedto be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing block so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can T rotates.

- 14. In a can opener, the combination of a member inthe form of a loop, of sheet metal open at one side, a bearing block non-rotatably mounted in one end of said loop, a second bearing block in the form ofa cylinder having a bearing between saidfirst named bearing block and the opposite end of said loop so as to be rotatable therein, and serving to hold said first named bearing blockin operative position in the loop, a support, means for securing said first namedbearing block to said support for supp rting said loop member and associated parts, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing block on an axis at a slight angle with respect to the axis of said rotary bearing block, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the first named bearing block on'an axis substantially parallel with that of said rotary bearing block, inter-eng in driving members for said shafts for causing one of said shafts to rotate with the other, oppositely gripping and forwarding rollers on said shaft's adapted to be moved into gripping'relation to a canby a rotary movement of said rotarybearing block so asto cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates..

15. In a can opener, the combination of a memher in the form of a loop, a bearing member insertable into one end of said loop so as to be non- :rotatable' therein, a second bearing member in the form of a cylinder supported in position by said first named bearing member and the opposite end of said loop so as to be rotatable therein and serving when in position in the loop to prevent bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing, member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearingimember so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

16. In a can opener, the combination of a member in the form of a loop, a bearing member insertable into one end of said loop so as to be nonrotatable therein, a second bearing member in the form of a cylinder havinga bearing between said first named bearing member and the opposite end of said loop so as tobe rotatable therein and serving when in position in the loop to prevent removal of said first named bearing member from the loop, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing member on an axis at a slight angle with respect to the axis of said bearing member, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the other bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate withthe other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a'can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

17. In a can opener, the combination of a member in the form of a loop, a bearing member insertable into one endof said loop so as to be non-. rotatable therein, asecond bearing member in the form of a cylinder having a bearing between said first named bearing member and the opposite end of said loop so as to be rotatable therein and serving when in position in the loop to prevent removal of said first named bearing member from the loop, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing memberon an axis in eccentric position with respect to the axis of said rotary member, a

second shaft revolubly mounted in the other bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the can, a handle at one end of said rotary bearing member extending transversely therefrom adapted by engagement with the other bearing member to limit the rotary movement of the rotary bearing member and arranged so that at one limit of the rotary movement of said rotary bearing member said where are in operativegripping relation with respect to each other and that at the other limit of the rotary movement of said rotary bearing member said rollers are separated for receiving a can into operative position therebetween, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

18. In a can opener, thecombination of a frame, a bearing Vmember, a shaft revolubly mounted in said bearing member, a second bear-' ing member revolubly mounted on said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of said shaft,-

said bearing members being held in predetermined fixed position with respect to each other but so as to permit them to separate slightly under heavy pressure, a second shaft revolubly mounted in said second bearing member and in slightly angled position with respect to the axis of said second bearing member so that by rotary movement of said second bearing member said second shaft may be swung toward and from said first named shaft, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts adapted to cause one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted when said second shaft is swung toward said first named shaft to grip a can so as to support it and adapted upon rotary movement of the rollers to cause said can to rotate, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

19. In a can opener, the combination of a frame, a shaft having an elongated journal bearing on said frame, a second shaft, an elongated bearing member revolubly mounted on said frame named shaft, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts adapted to cause one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers'on said shafts adapted when said second shaft is swung toward said first named shaft to grip a can so as to support it and adapted upon rotary movement of the rollers to cause said can to rotate, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

20. In a can opener, the combination of two bearing members arranged alongside of each other, a'member in the form of a loop extending about said bearing members adapted normally to hold said bearing members in pre-determined fixed position with respect to each other but adapted to yield for permitting said bearing members to separate slightly, one of said bearing members being rotatably' mounted in said loop member, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing member on an axis in eccentric position with respect to the axis of said rotary member, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the other bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted.to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing fixed position with respect to each other but adapted to yield for permitting said bearing members to separate slightly, one of said bearing members being rotatably mounted in said member, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the other bearing member alongside of said rotary bearing member, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into gripping relation to a can by a rotary movement of said rotary bearing member so as to cause a rotation of the-can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates.

22. In a can opener, the combination of a member in the form of a spring loop open at one side, a bearing member insertable into one end of said loop so as to be non-rotatable therein, a second bearing member in the form of a cylinder having a bearing between said first named hearing member and the opposite end of the loop so as to rotate therein and serving when in position in the loop to prevent removal of said first named bearing member from the loop, a shaft revolubly mounted in said rotary bearing memher on an axis at a slight angle with respect to the axis of said bearing member, a second shaft revolubly mounted in the other bearing member alongside of-said rotary bearing member, interengaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts adapted to be moved into grip ping relation to a-can by a rotary movement ofv said rotary bearing member so as'to cause a rotation of the can, and a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates. a

23. In a can opener, the combination ofa frame, a shaft revolubly mounted thereon, a second shaft arranged on said frame alongside of said first named shaft, inter-enga ing driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts, an eccentric bearing member in which is mounted one end portion of said second shaft and which is rotatable on said frame about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said first named shaft adapted by a rotary movement to a certain predetermined position to move said second shaft positively away from said first named shaft for insertion of a can between said rollers and adapted by a rotary movement to a diflerentpredetermined position to move said second shaft posi-' tively toward said first named shaft for bringing the rollers into gripping engagement with a can for rotating the can, a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates, and gearing connecting said eccentric bearing member with said first named shaft adapted upon rotation of said shaft in the normally operative direction to rotate said eccentric bearing member for bringing said rollers into cooperative relation and then to permit continued rotation of said shafts while said bearing member remains stationary and adapted upon rotation of said shafts in the opposite direction to rotate said eccentric bearing member in the direction for separating said rollers.

24. In a can opener, the combination of a frame, a shaft revolubly mounted thereon, a second shaft arranged on said frame alongside of said first named shaft, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on saidshafts, an eccentric bearing member in which is mounted one end portion of said second shaft and which is rotatable on said frame about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said first named shaft adapted by a rotary movement to a certain predetermined position to move said second shaft positively away from said first named shaft for insertion of a can between said rollers and adapted by a; rotary movement to a different predetermined position ,to move said second shaft positively toward said first named shaft forbringing the rollers into gripp n engagement with a can for rotating the can. a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the. can rotates, and

gearing connecting said eccentric bearing memrotation of said shaft in the normally operative direction to rotate said eccentric bearing member for bringing said rollers into cooperative relation and then to permit continued rotation of saidshafts in said direction while said bearing member remains stationary and adapted by a further ond shaft arranged on said frame alongside of said first named shaft, inter-engaging driving members for said shafts for causing one shaft to rotate with the other, oppositely disposed gripping and forwarding rollers on said shafts, an eccentric bearing member in which is mounted one end portion of said second shaft and which is rotatable on said frame about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said first named shaft adapted by a rotary movement to a certain predetermined position to move said second shaft positively away from said first named shaft for insertion of a can between said rollers and adapted by a rotary movement to a different predetermined position to move said second shaft positively toward said first named shaft for-bringing the rollers intogrippin engagement with a can for rotating the can, a cutter adapted by engagement with the can to cut the top therefrom as the can rotates, and means connecting said eccentric bearing member with said first named'shaft, comprising a mutilated gear mounted on said eccentric bearing ber with said first named shaft adapted upon member, auxiliary gear means on said first named shaft adapted-to rotate said mutilated gear to the limit of its effective cooperation therewith,

for rotating said bearing member to the point 1 adapted by cooperation with said mutilated gear to rotate said bearing member for moving said shafts away from each other for separating said rollers when said first named shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, said mutilated gear being arranged to have a'slight rotary movement with direction in which said mutilated gear'moves for rotating the bearing member for separating said rollers, the arrangement being such that said yielding means is stressed upon rotation of the mutilated gear for bringing said rollers into gripping relation whereby said yielding means serves :to bring the mutilated gear into operative position for operation by said auxiliary gear means on said first named shaft after each slight dis-. placement of said mutilated gear by the successive teeth of said auxiliary gear means.

26. In a can opener, the combination of two oppositely disposed shafts, rollers on said shafts,

' -means adapted by operative movements in opposite directions to swing one of said fts angularly toward and from the other for moving said rollers into and out of gripping position on the head of a can, means for giving one of said rollers an operative rotation for causing a rotary movement of the gripped can, a cutter adapted upon such rotary movement of the can to sever the top therefrom, and'm'eans adapted automatically upon rotation of the can by means of said roller to givesaid shaft swinging means a movement for bringing the rollers into gripping position on the can,

27. In a can'opener, the combination of two oppositely disposed shafts, rollers on said shafts, an eccentric bearing member in which one of said shafts is mounted adapted upon operative rotary movements in opposite directions to swing one of said shafts angularb' toward and from the other for moving said rollers into and out of gripping position on the bead of a can, means for giving one of said rollers an operative rotation for causing a rotary movement of the gripped can, a rotary cutter adapted upon rotary movement of the can by said roller to sever the top from the can, and means adapted automatically upon rotation of the can in one direction by said roller to give said shaft means a movement for bringing the rollers into gripping position on the can and adapted automatically upon rotation of the can in the opposite direction by said roller to give said shaft swinging means a movement for releasing the rollers from the can.

28. A device of the type described, comprising in combination a bearing member, a shaft rotatably mounted therein, a second'bearing member swung angularly with respect to said first named shaft.

v 29. A device of the type described, comprising in combination a bearing member, a shaft rotatably mounted therein, a second bearing member rotatably mounted adjacent to said shaft on an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said.

shaft, a second shaft rotatably mounted'in said second bearing member alongside of said first ned shaft on an axis substantially coinciding with the axis of the member at one end thereof and extending at an angle thereto, and intermeshing gears on said shafts at said one end of said second bearing member, the arrangement being such that upon rotation of said second bearing member said .second shaft is swung angularly with respect to said first named shaft while at the same time said gears are maintained in operative mesh with each other.

so. A device of the type described, comprising in combination a bearing member, a shaft rotat ably mounted therein, a second bearing member rotatably mounted adjacent to said shaft on an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said shaft, ,8. second shaft rotatably mounted in said second bearing member alongside of said first named shaft on an ams at an agle to that of the second bearing member, interm gears on said shafts at one end of said second bearing member, and oppositely disposed rollers mounted on said shafts at their other end portions, the arrangement being such that upon rotation of said second bearing member said second shaft is swung angular-1y with respect to said first named shaft for moving said rollers into and out of cooperative relationship while at the same time said gears are maintained in operative mesh with each extending longitudinally with respect to the axis of said second bearing block,. means for holding said second bearing block yieldingly in position in said groove, a second shaft rotatably mounted in said second bearing block alongside of saidfirstnamedshaftonanaxisatanangleto that of the second bearing block, intermeshing gears on said shafts at one end, and oppositely disposed rollers on said shafts at their other end portions, the arrangement being such that upon rotation of said second bearing block said second shaftisswungangularlywithrespecttosaidfirst named shaft for moving said rollers into and out of cooperating relationship while at the same time said gears are maintained constantly in operative mesh with each other.

' PRESTON 0. WEST.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Potent No. 1,986,657. January 1. 1935.

PRESTON 0. WEST.

- it IS hereby certified that error appears in the printed specific'ation of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5, second column, line 23, claim l3; after "and" insert the word held; vand line 60, claim 14, strike out the words "substantially'parallel with" and insert instead extendingdongitudim oily with respect to; and that'the said Letters Patent should be read with these" corrections therein that the some, may conform to the record oi the case in the Patent Mticet v Signed and sealed this 5th day of March, A. 11935.

' Eeslie Frazer (Seal) i Aetingcommissioner of Patents. 

